Alexys' Journey to Better Skin
OK! So this is a pretty uncomfortable topic for me... acne. However now and again we all encounter some type of acne. Acne is developed when the pores are clogged and comes in the form of pimples, cyst, blackheads, and whiteheads. I have suffered from acne in the form of blackheads and whiteheads with occasional pimples for as long as I can remember. Even though I knew there were millions of other people going through the same thing, my acne was my biggest insecurity and the last thing I wanted to talk about.
My name is Alexys, I am a makeup artist based in Atlanta and I want to share with you my skin care journey. When I was, younger I was in the earliest stages of my acne. I was basic with my skin care, I washed my face in the shower and never thought much about it after. I didn't wear makeup back then, so I never thought it would be that big of a deal. As I got older acne slowly migrated all over my face, taking over my cheeks and forehead. In result, the texture of my skin would fluctuate from really really really bad to OK this is pretty bad but not too bad. Before I had a chance to realize it was all in my head, I found myself so shy and unwilling to engage with people.
After a failed attempt with a local Dermatologist, I ran over to Sephora and bought every 3 step acne treatment I could find. I was using a different brand each week. I tried things with salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide, anything I thought would dry my skin out I gave it a shot. I went on Amazon and purchased a PMD (personal microdermabrasion) and a Derma Roller and I would use them at least 3 times a week. Eventually, my skin started to freak out and got even worse. I was doing so much to my skin in such a short amount of time my skin was never able to heal or even adjust. I was ready to give up and crawl under a rock so no one could see my horrible skin.
Recently, I decided to go back to basics and give up everything I "knew" about skincare. I switched from harsh chemicals and I stopped used exfoliators every day. Instead, I added in oils and moisturizers and started to really nourish my skin. Once I started treating my skin like 'normal' skin and catering to it instead of attacking it, I saw MAJOR changes in my skin.
OK! I know you're ready to know what I use....
MORNING
- 1. Wash my face with NOLA Skinsentials Organic Facial Cleanser
- 2. Tone with NOLA Skinsentials Toner water Ginseng Aloe Toner
- 3. Treat with NOLA Skinsentials Iconic Elixir
- 4. SPF 30
- 5. Moisturize with Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream
NIGHT
- 1. Wash my face with NOLA Skinsentials Organic Facial Cleanser (If I want a mild deep clean I'll use my Clarisonic with my foaming cleanser If I want a squeaky clean I use African Black Soap)
- 2. Tone with NOLA Skinsentials Toner water Witches Brew Toner
- 3. Treat with NOLA Skinsentials Iconic Elixir
- 4. Revitalize with NOLA Skinsentials Exfoliating Glycolic Night Creme
BEFORE
AFTER
In addition to my daily routine, I have weekly and monthly routines that play a huge role in my skin care improvement. About three months into my new skin care routine I joined a Medi Spa, I started getting routinely facials starting with a chemical peel. I jumped right into a chemical peel because my skin was improving so fast I wanted something to just polish it off. So, I know you’re probable like... “what is a chemical peel?? That sounds painful!” but I assure you, its not as bad as it sounds. It’s basically a technique that improves skin texture with the use of different chemicals. They go deep into the skin and over 7 days your old skin peels off and the new skin is revealed. I like to incorporate facials into my skin care because I feel like it really helps to get your skin breathing and ready to absorb all of skin care products.
Now that I have been following this routine for about 5 months my skin is looking better than ever. It's not 100 percent clear, I still have some congested pores, acne scars, and discoloration, but I am definitely on the road to it. I can honestly say that my skin is no longer my biggest insecurity. If you are interested stay tuned as we dive deeper into my skincare journey!
And remember... we are our own worst critics. It's ok to see something about yourself and feel like it needs to be fixed. But please don't dwell on it, because you are beautiful the way you are. It's temporary and you're always going to see it worse than someone else does. Becoming more secure with YOU starts within yourself then everything else will fall into place.
XO, ALEXYS